Behind the Jersey: Cameron Aucoin

Written by Mateya Steblaj-Wood

Cameron Aucoin is a steady two-way defenceman whose versatility has already made an impact on the Sting, despite it being his first season with the team. Reliable in both ends of the ice, he has shown an ability to contribute offensively while maintaining a strong defensive presence.

Before joining the Sting, Aucoin spent two seasons playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL) where he says he developed his defensive play. Aucoin started off as a forward in youth hockey, then made the switch when he moved up to junior. “I really needed to step-up my defensive game. I think it developed well in that league.” He also said that joining the USHL at 16 taught him valuable lessons about the game and how junior hockey operates.

Cameron is the older half of the Aucoin brothers in Sarnia, both who joined the Sting in the 2025 offseason. Younger brother Kaden was drafted and signed by the Sting of June 2025. Eventually, after many meetings and conversations with Sting management, Cameron officially signed with Sarnia the following month. When asked about his initial reaction to having the unique opportunity to play as brothers for the same team, he said he and his family were excited about the move. “I’ve always wanted to play with him.”

The Aucoin brothers grew up with healthy competitiveness, and now finally had the chance to compete alongside each other. “Coming here was good for our competitive nature, actually being on the same team for once.” Cameron mentioned that he is always supportive of Kaden, especially when he gets opportunities on the power play and higher ice times, even if it may take away from his, since both brothers are defencemen, “when he gets those opportunities I’m happy for him. Even if it takes away from me.”

The Aucoin name is more than familiar with the game of hockey. Their father, Adrian Aucoin, played a lengthy and successful NHL career, playing over 1000 games for multiple teams. 23-year-old Kyle Aucoin is the oldest, and currently plays college hockey in the NCAA.

Cameron said watching his older brother and father play had an immense impact on his love of the game and pursuing a career in hockey, “Everything I saw was hockey. Everything I knew was hockey”. The young defenceman recalled a home heavily decorated in his father’s NHL memorabilia, and a rink in the back yard they played on all winter long. “As long as I can remember I’ve been on hockey skates. There was never a different sport for me.”

The 18-year-old blueliner feels as though his style of play is better suited for the OHL rather than leagues he played in the past. He mentioned that the USHL had a “dump and chase” play style compared to the OHL, where his skating abilities can shine. He said, “It’s easier for me to defend the rush when I can skate and take pucks away and transition quicker.”

Cameron has quickly become known for his offensive capabilities as a defenceman, and has found six goals and 24 assists on the season so far. His speed and passing allows him to find success on both ends of the ice, defend the puck and set up finishing plays. When asked about differentiating his plays, he said, “It all stems back to me trying to be a reliable defender. When the opportunity is there, I can join the rush at any given time. ”

This season has brought adversity and challenge for the Sting, which, according to Aucoin, has helped him grow as a player, taught him valuable lessons, and is preparing him for professional hockey. Although just four teams miss the playoffs in the OHL, pro leagues typically have a higher threshold to make it to the postseason. “It’s taught me that every game is so meaningful in the regular season.”

This is exactly the mindset that Cameron is carrying out for the final stretch of the season in Sarnia. Every game is a must-win and a chance to put his skills on display.